Tegbe Commissions 3MW Solar Hybrid Plant at Yakubu Gowon University, Ends Diesel Dependence
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has commissioned a 3MW captive solar hybrid power plant at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, providing cleaner and more reliable electricity to 58,726 students while significantly reducing the institution’s dependence on diesel generators.
The development was contained in a statement issued by Adeola Labzy, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Minister of Power, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, following the commissioning of the project developed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under Phase II of the Energizing Education Programme (EEP).
The facility comprises a 3.3MWp solar array, 3MW AC output and 2MWh battery storage, with dedicated grid supply available outside solar-generation hours. The project also includes 388 solar streetlights installed across the university campus to improve security and extend safe hours for studying and movement.
Tegbe said the project represents more than an electricity intervention, describing it as a strategic investment in human capacity, academic productivity and Nigeria’s wider economic development.
According to him, reliable electricity would protect academic facilities and specialist equipment, reduce institutional expenditure on diesel and minimise disruptions to research and learning.
“Energizing education also protects the investments already made in academic facilities and specialist equipment. It reduces the disruption that weakens research and makes learning more difficult,” the Minister said.
He added that the benefits of the project would extend beyond the university through graduates whose skills contribute to the economy and research capable of addressing national challenges.
Tegbe linked the project to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying electricity investments were increasingly being directed towards services and activities with direct impact on citizens’ lives.
Yakubu Gowon University is among nine institutions benefiting from Phase II of the EEP, comprising seven universities and two teaching hospitals. The Minister said the continuation of the programme across successive phases demonstrated the administration’s commitment to improving power supply in educational institutions and investing in young Nigerians.
He urged students and staff to protect the infrastructure by reporting vandalism involving the solar facility and other electricity assets, including transformers and transmission towers.
The Minister disclosed that the Ministry was developing a nationwide electricity complaints call centre that would create employment opportunities for young Nigerians while providing a dedicated channel for reporting vandalism and other power-related challenges for prompt intervention.
He also said a joint team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was working to curb vandalism of electricity infrastructure nationwide.
Tegbe commended the REA Board, chaired by Ayodele Fayose, the REA management led by Abba Abubakar Aliyu, the Nigeria Electrification Programme team and the project contractor for delivering the facility.
He also acknowledged the support of the World Bank, Federal Ministry of Education, FCT Administration and the university management, while REA committed to sustaining the battery storage system to meet the institution’s electricity needs.
The commissioning was attended by the Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory and Education, members of the Governing Council and Executive Leadership of Yakubu Gowon University, development partners, staff and students.
